I just downloaded the Alpha version of 2.8 (2.80-b5811bccf81-linux-glibc219-x87_64) and opened a file from 2.79. I generally just use the default - Blender render engine without compositing.
When I try to render the file under Cycles - I get the background but not the figure.
When I try to render under Eevee - Blender crashes
When I try to render under Workspace - nothing seems to happen
So - is my file not opening correctly? Or do I need to use compositing to use the new engine? Or is there some configuration issue with my workstation? (I had to install new video drivers just to be able to open 2.8)
Using Fedora 28 - 64 bit
NVidia Geforce 950 with Nvidia drivers